Staten Island Liberian community to celebrate heritage this weekend

Staten Island AdvanceRev. Philip S. Saywrayne, at left, president of the Staten Island Liberian Ministerial Alliance, and Deacon Telee Brown, president of the Staten Island Liberian Community Association, attend the Staten Island Liberian Community Association's commemoration of the 164th Independence Anniversary of the Republic of Liberia last year at Assumption-St. Paul's R.C. Church, New Brighton.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Music, dancing, food and a keynote address by the Liberian Ambassador to the United States will mark a grand celebration Saturday night in honor of Liberian Independence, which is expected to bring hundreds to the social hall of Assumption-St. Paul's R.C. Church in New Brighton.

The program, organized by the Liberian Association of Staten Island, will celebrate the African nation that over the past year has witnessed historic events, including the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to its president and the jailing of the man responsible for the war crimes that sent so many fleeing to these shores.

"We've always had these celebrations of Liberian independence, because it is our country of origin we look forward to it every year," said Telee Brown, the president of the Staten Island Liberian Community Association, who will be honored during the night along with at least a dozen graduating college students. "This is a day we reflect on our country; where we come from, where we are and where we want to go. We have come from a period of destruction and devastation, and the country is getting better."

The program, which begins at 7 p.m., will mark the 165th anniversary of Liberia's independence. Included in the $20 admission price will be dancing, music, traditional foods such as fu fu, and a chance to ask questions of the country's ambassador.

"This is the first time an ambassador to the United States will come. People will want to know how the country is. Is it safe enough for us to go back home?" said Brown, who estimates more than 8,000 Liberians are living on Staten Island, many of whom are war refugees. "Now we are in a country where there is everything -- food, water -- but we think, 'Where do we go from here.'"

The Liberian community here continues to grow and bring vitality to the Park Hill neighborhood where so many have chosen to settle, he said.

Sunday a free and open-to-the public thanksgiving service and community fair will take place in the courtyard between the buildings of 160 and 180 Park Hill Ave.

The place has become a gathering spot where community members meet, exchange news and purchase food and other traditional wares. The celebration will go from 3 to 7 p.m., and will start with a dedication of the area by spiritual and community leaders.

For more information, call program chairman Dave Dann at 347-256-4655, or SILCA president Deacon Telee Brown at 718-496-7492.